[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 38 (Monday, February 27, 1995)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 10477-10478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-4909]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 1995 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 10477]]
Proclamation 6771 of February 23, 1995
Irish-American Heritage Month, 1995
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's bounty--the abundance of the fields, the
beauty of the landscape, the richness of our
opportunities--has always attracted people who are in
search of a better life for themselves and their
children. Our democracy owes its success in great part
to the countless immigrants who have made their way to
our shores and to the tremendous diversity this Nation
has been blessed with since its beginnings.
In March, when communities all across the country
celebrate St. Patrick's Day, our Nation honors the rich
heritage of the millions of Americans who trace their
lineage to Ireland. Coming to this land even before our
Nation was founded, sons and daughters of Erin
undertook the perilous journey to make their home in a
place of hope and promise. They made inestimable
contributions to their new country, both during the
struggle for independence and in the founding of the
Republic. Nine of the people who signed our Declaration
of Independence were of Irish origin, and nineteen
Presidents of the United States proudly claim Irish
heritage--including our first President, George
Washington.
The largest wave of Irish immigrants came in the late
1840s, when the Great Famine ravaging Ireland caused 2
million people to emigrate, mostly to American soil.
These immigrants transformed our largest cities and
helped to build them into dynamic centers of commerce
and industry, and their contributions to our smaller
cities and towns are evident today in the cultural,
economic, and spiritual makeup of the communities.
Throughout the country, they faced callous
discrimination: ``No Irish Need Apply'' signs were ugly
reminders of the prejudice that disfigured our society.
But with indomitable spirit and unshakable
determination, they persevered. They took jobs as
laborers, built railroads, canals, and schools, and
committed themselves to creating a brighter future for
their families and their new country.
Today, millions of Americans of Irish ancestry continue
to enrich all aspects of life in the United States.
Irish Americans are proud to recall their heritage and
their struggle for well-deserved recognition in all
walks of American life. Throughout their history, they
have held tightly to their religious faith, their love
of family, and their belief in the importance of
education. The values they brought with them from the
Emerald Isle have flourished in America--and in turn
these values have helped America to flourish.
In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by
Public Law 103-379, has designated March 1995 as
``Irish-American Heritage Month'' and has authorized
and requested the President to issue a proclamation in
observance of this month.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 1995
as Irish-American Heritage Month.
[[Page 10478]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand this twenty-third day of February, in the year
of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and nineteenth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 95-4909
Filed 2-23-95; 3:11 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P
